University Flats (commonly known as "Uni Flats") are houses or flats that are managed and maintained by the University of Otago Accommodation team. University Flats manage approximately 200 University-owned and managed flats, designed primarily for international students studying for one semester, as well as postgraduate students, couples, and families. Visiting students and researchers can make an application to stay in Uni Flats accommodation by creating an account directly on the Te Puna site and applying through the Te Puna portal.
The Flats are all very close to campus and allow international students visiting for a single semester to live with greater independence compared to a residential college, while still benefiting from the convenience and support of a University-managed flat. A University Flat provides an opportunity to learn about the New Zealand way of life in a range of housing options from one- to six-bedroom fully furnished flats. Many undergraduate flats also include a New Zealand student known as a “Kiwi Host”, who helps international students settle into university and local life.
University Flats vary in style and age, including renovated houses and newer, purpose-built complexes. Flats may be standalone houses or part of small complexes (typically 5 to 9 units).
University Flats are not catered. Students have their own bedroom but share kitchen, living, bathroom, and laundry facilities. Couples and families are allocated their own flats. Residents are expected to share cooking and household cleaning responsibilities.
Bedrooms are allocated to one student only and there are no shared bedrooms. For your safety, all bedrooms are lockable. Each resident has a secure, unique key system, with bedroom access limited to the assigned occupant.
The cost of your room includes internet, electricity, University Flats community events, and the services of the University Flats team. Note that University Flats are not centrally heated; most flats use heat pumps or other electric heaters, and each bedroom is provided with heating. Students are advised to bring warm clothing.
All flats are fully furnished and must be used as supplied. Common areas typically include lounge seating, a dining table and chairs, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dryer, and a basic kitchen setup (such as pots, cutlery, dinnerware, toaster, and kettle). Bedrooms include a double or king single bed, mattress, desk, chair, and drawers.
Payment of the University Flats Placement Fee of NZ$200 and Activity Fee of NZ$200 is required when you accept the formal offer on the Te Puna accommodation portal. There is no bond and no additional deposit required. Students are required to pay for the full term of their Residence Agreement regardless of the number of nights stayed.
For standard shared undergraduate accommodation, a bedding pack hire charge of NZ$120 is charged at the start of your contract. These bedding packs include pillows, sheets, duvet and cover, blanket, and pillowcases. Bedding will be in your room upon arrival and must be repacked and left in the bedroom at the end of your stay.
University Flats are located across a range of streets close to campus. Students are encouraged to use Google Maps to familiarise themselves with their flat location and surrounding area.
On arrival in Dunedin, flat keys can be collected 24/7 from the University Flats Office at 100 St David Street. Instructions are available on-site to allow key collection at any time.
Further information